Amanda, I didn't suggest that you did say that a woman should abstain from alcohol because she may be the victim of sexual assault.

What I did was to ask a question that illustrated how your flawed analogy actually supported that notion.

Your analogy did fail. The 'difference' you mention in relation to what defines an analogy is the use of a different situation as an example. However, that different situation must parallel the one which is being illustrated.

As I tried to point out - but clearly failed to do - your analogy failed because it transposed victim for perpetrator and thereby actually suggested something that I doubt you intended.

The sad thing about such failures in the use of language is well illustrated by a look at the nature of so many of the responses to your article. Even many women have taken the 'blame the victim' approach and in so doing are reinforcing that reprehensible but commonly used excuse when women are sexually victimised - "Well she should've known better - she was asking for it ..." etc.

I am sorry if, as it seems, you have felt offended and become defensive about my critique of your article. I value your writing and that is why I follow you and sometimes make critical comment.

The sort of mistake you made in this content is not unusual. Unfortunately, it can be very dangerous and lead to those who are quick to judge and or exercise little rationality, logic or reason, having their views reinforced.

Of course, each individual ought to do what is in their capability to behave reasonably and to accept responsibility for their actions, including their mistaken beliefs, incorrect assumptions or poor judgment. Most, if not all of us are guilty of such, at times. Part of taking responsibility requires developing the ability to accept criticism, admit failings and learn from them by using that information constructively.

My comments, as a fellow writer and contributor to Medium, were aimed at helping you do that. I intended no discomfort, hurt or any other negativity. I apologise if I have, indeed, caused any.

What bothers me as much is the number of simplistic responses your article has received and to which I referred earlier. So many, it seems, are quick to judge & quick to criticise, without adequate ability to make or follow a rational argument, think logically or consider contextual factors and implications of their simplistic and crude views. This is the stuff of Trumpism, of prejudice, of conflict and of vengeance. It is fundamental to why there is so much dissonance in our world and hence, so much tragedy.

I will now bow out so that I don't upset your further. ☮️☮️☮️